How to Successfully Apply for a Working Visa in Japan in 3 Easy Steps?
Benefits of working in Japan!
A working visa offers you the ability to experience other countries’ work-life balance. Japan in particular offers an exciting opportunity for work experience and career development. Currently, more and more companies are employing foreign talents. This is largely due to the aging population in Japan. It is also due to the drive for automation, AI, digital transformation, and IT talents. This has increased demand for IT professionals both internally and externally. This creates new, easier opportunities for foreigners to move to abroad to explore new work cultures, better living standards, social differences or family benefits. To ensure a smooth transition follow our guide on successfully applying for a Working Visa in Japan.
The working visa in Japan is for any foreigner who moves to Japan with the intention to live and work there. The visa itself lasts 3 months to 5 years. However, it can be renewed if you wish to stay longer.
Who qualifies?
There are many different types of visas so looking into your specific job type, family situation or level of skill is important. Follow the Japanese government guide lines when making this decision. https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/long/index.html . However, the standard work visa fits a lot of professions.
Typical working visa job positions include:
- Artist
- Business manager
- Engineer/Specialist in humanities/International services
- Entertainer
- Journalist
- Instructor ·
- Intra-company transferee
- Legal/Accounting services
- Medical services
- Nursing care
- Professor
- Religious activities
- Researcher
- Skilled labour
- Specified skilled worker
- Technical intern training
Step 1 – What do you need?
Step 2 – Apply for a COE?
Now that you have gathered the necessary information it’s time to start the application process. The first half of the application is to receive your COE(Certificate of Eligibility) from the Immigration Services in Japan, to prove you can work in Japan. You can achieve this by having a job offer lined up before moving to Japan.
A Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is an essential document required when applying for a working visa in Japan. It serves as proof that the applicant meets the conditions to work in Japan under a specific visa category.
Your job placement must contact the local Immigration Office in order to apply for your certificate. Therefore you should send your sponsor company the relevant paperwork previously mentioned, and you can obtain your Certificate of Eligibility. This will ensure a quicker application as the COE does act as a replacement for the working visa but ensures a smoother entry. After receiving the Certificate of Eligibility from your employer you can move to apply for the Working Visa. Plan accordingly as the COE can take up to 3 months to be approved.
Need help finding a job placement in Japan? Hello World Japan provides job information and career advice for IT talents. We offer step-by-step support throughout the employment process. Additionally, we offer Japanese lessons in language and culture to help you grow accustomed to the new work environment.
Note: A visa application could be made without COE. However, you will be required to submit a large amount of verification documents and it could take a long time to process.
Step 3 – Apply for a working visa
Locate and take all relevant documentation to your nearest Japanese embassy.
Some embassies do not accept in person applications so make sure you check beforehand. If your nearest embassy does not accept in person applications you will need to go through an agent. They will organize your application on behalf of you. Once you have applied you might be invited to an interview for additional information. Once your application has been approved, you’re able to go back to retrieve your passport and visa. You may now enter Japan! (Ensure you enter Japan no later than 3 months, after being approved.) Application approval can take 5 to 10 working days.
Fees?
For a single-entry visa costs 3,000 Yen. This allows you to enter for 3 months, you then have to go through the process of earning your residence card.
Double-entry or multiple-entry visa costs 6,000 Yen. This is recommended for those wishing to travel in the first 3 month before getting a residence card. A residence card will allow you to come and go from Japan as it is your main place of residence.
However, you only pay the fees of a visa if you are approved. Be aware that if you have applied through an agency there will be additional costs.
Alex is an intern at Hello World Japan, a startup dedicated to helping IT engineers find job opportunities in Japan. With a passion for cybersecurity and an interest in aiding professionals to navigate the Japanese job market, Alex brings valuable insights to her writing. She is currently focused on researching and providing practical advice and resources for IT professionals.
